Flow problem.... too much??

SS_Sean · 04/28/2014, 05:27 PM

I have a 170g 72 x 18 x 30 tank, which has been up and running for a couple months now. As I slowly add residents to the tank I'm noticing the flow is considerable, and is bothering some folks. The pump is a mag drive 1800gph pump and is really scooting some pressure out the return nozzles. I also have two tunze powerheads, also.

What I'm seeing is that my maxima clam in the middle of the tank, on the sand bed (attached to buried rock) is not liking the flow, and neither is my long tentacle and sebae anemone. They have moved around the tank considerably, trying to find the 'sweet spot'. The feather dusters really aren't liking the flow, either. Currently have only a couple fish in the tank, as the load slowly increases, but they have high/mod/low flow areas, they seem to enjoy, but I don't have things like butterflys in yet, which wont like the high flow.

I do have a valve just above the return pump in the sump, in-line and prior to the nozzles, and was thinking I could just close that valve down a little to cut flow to the nozzles slightly, and that would help. The down-side to that is restricting flow like that will lead to premature failure, in my thinking. Am I wrong, and closing that valve a little won't kill the pump?

Do I have too much flow going on? What do you suggest?

ca1ore · 04/28/2014, 06:57 PM

Reducing pump output with a valve will not kill your pump, but maybe a better option is to direct the output in such a way that it is not affecting your livestock. For example, I direct the output of my main pump return (around 800 gph) straight down behind my rockwork. FWIW, you are probably running more volume than you need through your sump. I am not familiar with the Tunze models you have, are they flow adjustable?

MrClam · 04/28/2014, 08:19 PM

I wouldnt say you have too much flow in general. The three pumps you list in your sig have a total of 4200 gph. Thats less than 25x turnover in your tank even at maximum (given head loss on the Mag18 you are probably closer to 20x). Most people run 20-30x without issue, with many running much higher than that in SPS tanks. Id say try adjusting the output nozzles like ca1ore suggested. Possibly bounce the flow off the tank walls instead of pointing directly at livestock.

SS_Sean · 04/28/2014, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca1ore

Reducing pump output with a valve will not kill your pump, but maybe a better option is to direct the output in such a way that it is not affecting your livestock. For example, I direct the output of my main pump return (around 800 gph) straight down behind my rockwork. FWIW, you are probably running more volume than you need through your sump. I am not familiar with the Tunze models you have, are they flow adjustable?

Yes, they're adjustable.... Based on what you said, it gave me an idea. Was thinking of splitting the return nozzles into two per side so I can direct them a little more. And yeah, I've got a little too much flow through my sump, too....

SS_Sean · 04/28/2014, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrClam

I wouldnt say you have too much flow in general. The three pumps you list in your sig have a total of 4200 gph. Thats less than 25x turnover in your tank even at maximum (given head loss on the Mag18 you are probably closer to 20x). Most people run 20-30x without issue, with many running much higher than that in SPS tanks. Id say try adjusting the output nozzles like ca1ore suggested. Possibly bounce the flow off the tank walls instead of pointing directly at livestock.

Ha! I just got treed... yes, I will try this. Thanks for giving me a little math. It looks like I'm in the ballpark, just need to refine this tank a little more. You rock!

SS_Sean · 04/29/2014, 02:58 PM

I split the nozzles from two to four, using fan type tips, and I'm digging the flow now. I think we have a problem solved!!

04/28/2014, 05:27 PM	#1
SS_Sean Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: OR Posts: 669	Flow problem.... too much?? I have a 170g 72 x 18 x 30 tank, which has been up and running for a couple months now. As I slowly add residents to the tank I'm noticing the flow is considerable, and is bothering some folks. The pump is a mag drive 1800gph pump and is really scooting some pressure out the return nozzles. I also have two tunze powerheads, also. What I'm seeing is that my maxima clam in the middle of the tank, on the sand bed (attached to buried rock) is not liking the flow, and neither is my long tentacle and sebae anemone. They have moved around the tank considerably, trying to find the 'sweet spot'. The feather dusters really aren't liking the flow, either. Currently have only a couple fish in the tank, as the load slowly increases, but they have high/mod/low flow areas, they seem to enjoy, but I don't have things like butterflys in yet, which wont like the high flow. I do have a valve just above the return pump in the sump, in-line and prior to the nozzles, and was thinking I could just close that valve down a little to cut flow to the nozzles slightly, and that would help. The down-side to that is restricting flow like that will lead to premature failure, in my thinking. Am I wrong, and closing that valve a little won't kill the pump? Do I have too much flow going on? What do you suggest? __________________ 170g DT + 300g sump/fuge + 60g algae tank = 530g system.

04/28/2014, 06:57 PM	#2
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Reducing pump output with a valve will not kill your pump, but maybe a better option is to direct the output in such a way that it is not affecting your livestock. For example, I direct the output of my main pump return (around 800 gph) straight down behind my rockwork. FWIW, you are probably running more volume than you need through your sump. I am not familiar with the Tunze models you have, are they flow adjustable? __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

04/29/2014, 02:58 PM	#6
SS_Sean Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: OR Posts: 669	I split the nozzles from two to four, using fan type tips, and I'm digging the flow now. I think we have a problem solved!! __________________ 170g DT + 300g sump/fuge + 60g algae tank = 530g system.

04/28/2014, 08:19 PM	#3
MrClam Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 557	I wouldnt say you have too much flow in general. The three pumps you list in your sig have a total of 4200 gph. Thats less than 25x turnover in your tank even at maximum (given head loss on the Mag18 you are probably closer to 20x). Most people run 20-30x without issue, with many running much higher than that in SPS tanks. Id say try adjusting the output nozzles like ca1ore suggested. Possibly bounce the flow off the tank walls instead of pointing directly at livestock.